Urban runoff from roads is the largest uncontrolled contributor of nonpoint source pollution in the Southeast Michigan 5 Areas of Concern (AOCs). Annually, over 100 billion gallons of stormwater runoff combined with 30 million and 200,000 pounds respectively of sediment and nutrients are generated from roads. This green streets program achieves the following outcomes: construction of bioswales, tree trenches and grow zones to manage road runoff; reduction of annual stormwater runoff volumes, sediment and nutrient loading by approximately 50%; development of a Great Lakes Green Streets Guidebook transferable to municipalities; and installation of Green Streets signage for public education benefits.
Additional Partner is the United States EPA.
The service was completed, and were funded under specific grants for those activities that have since been closed.